Pages

Monday, June 20, 2011

Sam's Patio Party

With prime waterfront property on Fan Pier, Sam's located at 60 Northern Avenue inside the Louis Boston building has a lot to offer, beginning and certainly not ending with exceptionally breathtaking views. Weaving through a construction ridden parking lot, I followed signs leading me to an industrial warehouse; the facade a seemingly misleading and trendy disguise for what it beholds.Sam's sits perched on the back half of the second floor, where at the entrance I was welcomed by owners Esti and Drew Parsons. It was an absolutely perfect day for an outdoor event as evidenced by sunny blue skies, a barely there breeze and calm waters. The stylish single room interior offers panoramic views out two toned glass walls. Globe lighting flanks the perimeter of the lofty ceiling while pristine leather couches back retro cafeteria style tables. A small bar with modern stools and a black counter top sits in a corner of the back wall and to its right, the exit to the patio where the party was being held.The wraparound deck is home to a trifecta of jaw dropping landscapes. Boats pass by on the harbor, the city skyline parades in the distance over Rowes Wharf and just below an inviting bright green lawn expands to meet the Boston Harborwalk. Views in Boston don't get much better than this!!The backside of the building is nothing like the front, where besides those pristine glass walls, multi-toned wood panels construct the rest of the exterior.I was excited to find this girl behind the bar, my friend Jess Li who is a former waitress at longtime favorite hangout Delux. She knows me all too well and wasted no time explaining the signature cocktail created especially for the event. The Less Than Three (<3) is an inventive blend of tequila, cassis, grapefruit juice, muddled cucumber, mint and lavender topped with a splash of club soda and garnished with a salted cucumber. Not to sweet, or too tart, the flavors were balanced and refreshing.Bloggers and other media reps were introduced to the talents of Sam's new chef Asia Mei through a sampling of passed appetizers. The chef excels at pairing exciting ingredients in creative and unique forms. From the Crispy Jalapeno Crab Rangoon with sweet and sour plum gastrique to Mini Lobster BLTs with candied bacon, I was impressed early on. One of my favorites was the Halibut Tartare cradled by a bibb lettuce leaf topped with thin crispy potato shavings. The Braised Endive, Grapefruit & Sesame Brittle was also a divine bite.Thick and juicy, tender and flavorful Pistacio Crusted Lamb Lolipops were up for grabs.BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos topped with pickled cabbage and a dollop of creme fraiche had a spicy kick.A hearty Quinoa Salad boasting almonds, feta cheese, blueberries and orange segments was a nice introduction to these edible grain like seeds.Plate after plate of these inventive appetizers were offered, the waitstaff happy to accommodate our constant requests to photograph their trays. After another Less Than Three there was white wine. Basking on the deck in blissful weather sipping perfectly crafted cocktails and munching on fantastic appetizers was highlighted by the company of these ladies - from left to right -Lin, me, Susie, Meghan, Chelsee, Elizabeth, Christine, Lingbo, Bridget and Tina. Sam's is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and the bar is open 7 days a week until 1pm. I'm already looking forward to a return visit! Whose in?!

That picture of your friend is equal parts awesome and hilarious. I love it!! And girrrrl the drinks + food look ridic. Chef has this cocktail that's tequila, fresh squeezed passionfruit, jalapeno and one other thing I can't remember. My friend described it as a punch in the face. It is an all time fave right now!!